TRANMERE Rovers has won a second shirt sponsorship deal with the Liverpool Culture Company, it was revealed last night.

As part of the new arrangement, the 08 European Capital of Culture logo is to appear on the back of Tranmere players' shirts and shorts until the end of the current season.

The previous deal, announced in May 2005, proved controversial amongst some supporters who did not want to see the word "Liverpool" emblazoned across their team's strip.

The new deal has been set up as part of "2006: Liverpool Performs", a year-long celebration of Merseyside's

reputation for top class performance in sport, the arts and business.

At the time of the original deal, the chairman of the supporters association, Andy Doyle, questioned the move, saying: "Tranmere is Wirral's team and we are proud of our home."

But chairman of Tranmere Rovers, Lorraine Rogers, said the "Liverpool 08" logo does not detract from the team's identity.

She said: "We're proud of our Wirral identity, but delighted to be supported by the Liverpool Culture Company and to be the first local sports club they have linked with as part of the 2006: Liverpool Performs celebrations.

"The 2006: Liverpool Performs celebrations and the 08 Capital of Culture celebrations will attract a lot of visitors to the region and it's important that we play a part and are not overlooked. Potentially, this could attract visitors to come to Prenton Park and that has to be good for the club."

Wirral Council, which was instrumental in arranging the deal, will remain the main club sponsor, keeping its logo on the front of shirts.

Steve Foulkes, who is a director of the Liverpool Culture Company as well as being leader of Wirral Borough Council, said: "Although much of the activity is focused on the City of Liverpool, it is a Merseyside- wide event and this shows Wirral and

Tranmere playing their part in what should be a good thing for the region."

Jason Harborow, chief operating officer of Liverpool Culture Company, said: "The Wirral is very much part of our plans for celebrations in 2006 and beyond.

"Tranmere Rovers is one of the important sports clubs in the region and we want to support them for the rest of this campaign."